Better Off
Hidden Hospitals Lyrics


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I didn't know what we had started
I couldn't see the pieces then
Pulled us closer, found us toxic
How misleading it had been

I know that I'm broken hearted
I know that I'm aching on the mend
I know that I'm easily abused
And that we're better off friends

Caged in safety, waste away from it




Hope has starved us both to death
We've taken flame and burned contagious

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Hidden Hospitals' song "Better Off" depict a complex and nuanced relationship between two individuals. The singer initially struggles to understand the nature of the relationship, admitting that they "couldn't see the pieces" and only realized how toxic the dynamic had become after they were already pulled closer to the other person. The singer then acknowledges their own vulnerability, admitting that they are "broken hearted" and "easily abused." Despite this, they seem to conclude that the best course of action is to move on and remain friends, suggesting that the relationship was ultimately more harmful than productive.


Throughout the song, there is a sense of sadness and resignation, with lines like "Hope has starved us both to death" implying that the relationship had potential but ultimately failed. The use of the metaphor "flame and burned contagious" adds a layer of complexity, suggesting that perhaps the relationship was intense and passionate but ultimately destructive. Overall, the lyrics to "Better Off" are a poignant exploration of the ups and downs of romantic relationships and the struggle to move on when things don't work out.


Line by Line Meaning

I didn't know what we had started
At the beginning of our relationship, I lacked knowledge of what we were getting ourselves into


I couldn't see the pieces then
I was unable to understand the potential consequences of our actions at that time


Pulled us closer, found us toxic
Our once-loving connection only caused us harm and became damaging to both of us


How misleading it had been
We were misled into believing that our relationship was healthy when it was actually detrimental


I know that I'm broken hearted
I am aware that my heart is shattered due to the ending of the relationship


I know that I'm aching on the mend
I understand that I am struggling while attempting to recover from the pain


I know that I'm easily abused
I recognize that I am susceptible to being mistreated, and it can cause me emotional harm


And that we're better off friends
It's in our best interest to maintain a platonic relationship instead of pursuing a romantic one


Caged in safety, waste away from it
We are both trapped in a state of perceived safety that is actually detrimental and causing us to waste away


Hope has starved us both to death
The hope for a better future has only caused us to suffer and become overwhelmed, leading to our demise


We've taken flame and burned contagious
Our passion for each other quickly spread and became destructive for both of us and those around us




Lyrics © DistroKid
Written by: Hidden Hospitals

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Greg's Guitar Lessons

absolutely beautiful on so many levels.

marlene tuttle

Took my breath away. I am in awe of what a professional and soulful song and the just exquisite video. Best yet. Good luck on your tour,,,may surprise you in Ithaca.

marlene tuttle

YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY CORRECT ABOUT THAT

MyNameIsMach

Do not miss this band if you have a chance to see them live. Incredibly talented artists yet super humble.

Alex Converse

honestly will be a forever favorite song of mine

Alex Converse

i love it, its exactly what i needed, this video is perfect, something ive envisioned

Christian Brown

I loved it. Soothing, dreamy, and sad. Feels like a massage.

Jonathan Skowron

Got a bit of a Daniel Johns solo album vibe going on here.... I like it!!!

Nickolas Blazina

Man, I'm a HUGE fan of Daniel's. "Talk" is absolutely stunning.

Charles Karter

Hooked fast enough in the commercial, loved it. Great job on a lot of diverse levels.

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